Watkins excited to play with 'special' Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens lost out on JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.Y. Hilton in free agency in an attempt to bolster Lamar Jackson's weaponry before the team ultimately landed receiver Sammy Watkins on a one-year contract.
But for Watkins, the Ravens were always at the top of his list.
"I think going through this process and knowing I was going to be a free agent, you look at a lot of different teams, and there was one team that stuck out - it was the Ravens and Lamar Jackson," Watkins said Monday. "(I've) heard too many great stories about just the team and the history of Baltimore."
There was speculation that free-agent wideouts didn't view the AFC North team as a favorable landing spot after the Ravens finished 32nd in both passing yards and attempts last season.
Smith-Schuster and Hilton reportedly turned down larger offers from Baltimore to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, respectively.
Watkins, however, has no doubts about the Jackson-led offense.
"Kind of talked to him like, 'Man, this is your show, I just want to be a part of it. You're a special talent, and I just want to come here and try to help out as far as making plays for you, making it easier on you,'" Watkins added. "He just said the same thing, 'I just want a guy that can go out there and ball, have fun, enjoy himself, and bring that swagger.' And I can't wait to work with him."
Watkins will start alongside former first-round pick Marquise Brown, who has flashed star potential over his first two seasons but has consistently struggled to act as Jackson's primary target.
While Brown had 769 yards and eight touchdowns - both team highs - last season, he only caught 58 of his 100 targets from the former NFL MVP.
Watkins hasn't produced a 1,000-yard campaign since 2015 and had just 421 yards as a secondary option for the Kansas City Chiefs last year. Still, the veteran should bring much-needed experience to a young Ravens receiver group.
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